Why not target alcohol, drugs?

Wednesday

Jan 30, 2013 at 3:27 PM

I am against any further restrictions of gun ownership.

Colin PipkinsMetairie

I am against any further restrictions of gun ownership.As I was considering all of the proposed legislation against our freedoms, it occurred to me: I wonder how many Americans die each year from drinking and driving.Needless to say, the numbers far outweigh the deaths by gun violence, yet alcohol is still allowed in society. The statistics for 2011 are staggering. At the end of 2011, "just under 10,000 people died in alcohol related deaths." To top it off, "MADD is celebrating a ‘historic milestone' in the nation's fight against drunk driving: the first time drunk driving fatalities have fallen below 10,000." You can find it here: www.madd.org/blog.Where is the anger, where's the outcry, and where are the demonstrations to outlaw alcohol and drugs (and their use)?These, far more than guns, have had tragic consequences for so many who may not have even thought of using these substances, but are now — regrettably — dead. How many children have died at the hands of drunk drivers?How many innocent lives have been tragically cut short? And yet alcohol is still legal to buy in any quantity for any purpose without restriction (except for age restrictions of course).Drinking alcohol is encouraged in liberal ideology, and it is never decried when someone dies from drinking, drug use (a failed policy as well) or simply riding with those who participate is such destructive behavior. The ads in favor of continued alcohol use will typically say, "Drink responsibly," or "Have a designated driver."I think that the American people might perceive things differently if confronted with a few simple truths — of which this might very well be the greatest: Alcohol and drug use kills.Hopefully this should be a counterweight to the liberal media machine.The simple message is this: This proposed legislation is nothing more than a gun grab — plain, pure and simple.If guns are so dangerous that they need to be regulated, restricted and removed, then how much more alcohol and drugs?If we're successful at this, then maybe we can talk about guns.